Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group, has confirmed the delivery of three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga, Egypt, marking a key milestone ahead of its planned opening later this year.
The Super Post-Panamax cranes, manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd, were transported from China and successfully installed, signalling the start of phased operational activities at the Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal following completion of major infrastructure works.
Strategically located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the Safaga Terminal is set to become the first internationally operated port facility in Upper Egypt. The terminal is expected to enhance regional connectivity, linking Egypt with the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes, while supporting trade across containers, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk, and Ro-Ro segments.
Spanning approximately 810,000 square metres, the terminal will feature a 1,000-metre quay wall and is designed to handle up to 450,000 TEUs annually, alongside 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) of Ro-Ro cargo. Supporting infrastructure includes administrative buildings, warehouses, workshops, and integrated utilities and security systems.
Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, said the arrival of the cranes marks the transition from development to operations at a strategically important Red Sea location. He added that the terminal is expected to play a significant role in driving economic growth in southern Egypt and strengthening global trade flows.
AD Ports Group has invested AED 193 million in the crane procurement as part of a broader USD 200 million investment commitment for the project. The terminal development follows the award of a 30-year concession in 2023 in partnership with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority.
The project has also secured financing support from the International Finance Corporation, which arranged a USD 115 million facility with participation from National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt and other institutional investors. The 15-year financing structure underscores strong international confidence in both AD Ports Group and Egypt’s growing role in global supply chains.
The Safaga Terminal forms part of AD Ports Group’s wider strategy to expand its presence across high-growth trade corridors, particularly in Egypt, through the development of advanced, high-efficiency port infrastructure.
